Whitehart Renfest, Hartville, Missouri

**Matthew Siegmann** · 18th September 09, 07:06 AM

Here is my first photo for this site! I know this isn't 100% accurate. Please forgive the boots, They were all I had at the time. I'm working on tartan hose and period shoes for next year (and yes, I know my dirk and sgian dubh are missing, yet two other things I'm still needing to purchase... I have a list).

**GMan** · 18th September 09, 08:44 AM

Nice!

**Highlander31** · 18th September 09, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by Matthew Siegmann

Here is my first photo for this site! I know this isn't 100% accurate. Please forgive the boots, They were all I had at the time. I'm working on tartan hose and period shoes for next year (and yes, I know my dirk and sgian dubh are missing, yet two other things I'm still needing to purchase... I have a list).

Well done. I wouldn't worry too much about the sgian dubh. As it was explained to me, the Highlanders did not carry a sgian dubh. Instead they carried a sgian ockle, which was usually worn on a leather thong over the shoulder (under the shirt) allowing the knife to sit in the armpit. The sgian ockle was a weapon of last resort. When a Highlander was enjoying the hospitality of another, he would put the sgian ockle in the top of his hose to show he had no hidden weapons. This was the basis for the tradition of wearing the sgian dubh in the top of the hose. That being said, I must admit a horn handled sgian dubh looks good in the top of one's hose at a ren faire.

**Chas** · 18th September 09, 09:51 AM

Matthew, I know nothing about Renfests and precious little about that period in history, but your outfit looks good to me.

Regards

Chas

**Ancienne Alliance** · 19th September 09, 12:33 AM

Very nice. You look great !

Best,

Robert

**McClef** · 19th September 09, 02:30 PM

Looking cool!

**Alan H** · 19th September 09, 06:22 PM

Yeah, the basket hilt claymore isn't quite period with the doublet and hat! But what the heck, you and I are in the same boat...just starting out so we use what we have. That's a nice looking doublet, btw. I like it.

What period/year are you aiming for?

**Matthew Siegmann** · 19th September 09, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the compliments gentlemen!

Originally Posted by Alan H

Yeah, the basket hilt claymore isn't quite period with the doublet and hat! But what the heck, you and I are in the same boat...just starting out so we use what we have. That's a nice looking doublet, btw. I like it.

What period/year are you aiming for?

I'm aiming for between 1580 - 1620. The basket hilt broadsword (because that's what it really is even though its official name is a claymore) came in to use some time during the 17th century so I'm not far of as far as weapons. I'd love to have a full sized claymore but I cannot afford one at this time. The basket hilt was on $20 on ebay. When I get a full sized Claymore, I'll have to research exactly the best way a clansman would have carried it (strapped to the back seems best, but I don't know how it would function with the kilt).

**Matthew Siegmann** · 18th November 09, 07:37 PM

Alan, thanks on the doublet. I can't believe I forgot to mention about it. Interesting situation, We have an RPG, Fantasy, and Sci Fi convention here in Springfield every year called Visioncon. There is a dealers room where all sorts of people have all types of wears for sale. There is a lady who sells garments that she makes and she's had a booth there for the past three years. I decided that I wanted to see if she'd make me a doublet and so I asked her and she said she probably had just the thing. Shur enough she had this lovely item and it fit me perfectly. Sold!

Anyway, I'm working on hose and shoes at the moment. Believe it or not, I actually go around town in my belted plaid every so often. The ladies love it!